WorldNetherlands to close mink farms after COVID-19 outbreaks

The Netherlands had already intended to halt its mink breeding industry by 2024, but decided to bring forward the closures after several farm employees contracted COVID-19. The government has set aside €180 million (US$212 million) to compensate farmers, the ANP report said, citing sources. According to the Dutch Federation of Pelt Farmers, the Netherlands exports around €90 million (US$101 million) worth of fur a year for use in China and globally. The country had roughly 900,000 mink at 130 farms, Statistics Netherlands data said.